MinnSPRA members – this document contains a number of ...



MinnSPRA members – this document contains a number of responses / messages / documents being shared across the country. In addition, know that NSPRA is developing a blog for such activity to be captured.

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We at the Jefferson City Public Schools are deeply saddened to hear of the news of the elementary school shooting in Connecticut. Our thoughts and prayers are with those families and that community. Safety is our first priority, and we are proactive in taking measures to keep children safe. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school principal.

David Luther

Assistant to the Superintendent, School-Community Relations

Jefferson City Public Schools

Jefferson City, Missouri

573.659.3018

david.luther@jcschools.us

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Letter via Anoka-Hennepin School District:

December 14, 2012

Dear Parents and Guardians,

By now you may be heard about the tragic school shooting that occurred today at an elementary school in Connecticut. No doubt there will be extensive coverage of this on the news and much discussion about it in our communities in the coming days.

I want to assure you that safety of our students is our top priority and that our school has a comprehensive crisis plan in place to help avoid tragedies such as this. The plan is reviewed and updated annually.

I also want to share with you some tips from the National Association of School Psychologists for helping your children cope with news such as this.

What Parents Can Do:

1. Focus on your children over the week following the tragedy.  Tell them you love them and everything will be okay. Try to help them understand what has happened, keeping in mind their developmental level.

2. Make time to talk with your children.  Remember if you do not talk to your children about this incident someone else will. Take some time and determine what you wish to say.

3. Stay close to your children. Your physical presence will reassure them and give you the opportunity to monitor their reaction. Many children will want actual physical contact.  Give plenty of hugs.  Let them sit close to you, and make sure to take extra time at bedtime to cuddle and to reassure them that they are loved and safe. 

4. Limit your child’s television viewing of these events.  If they must watch, watch with them for a brief time; then turn the set off.  Don’t sit mesmerized re-watching the same events over and over again.

5. Maintain a “normal” routine. To the extent possible stick to your family’s normal routine for dinner, homework, chores, bedtime, etc., but don’t be inflexible.  Children may have a hard time concentrating on schoolwork or falling asleep at night.

6. Spend extra time reading or playing quiet games with your children before bed.  These activities are calming, foster a sense of closeness and security, and reinforce a sense of normalcy. Spend more time tucking them in.  Let them sleep with a light on if they ask for it.

7. Safeguard your children’s physical health.  Stress can take a physical toll on children as well as adults.  Make sure your children get appropriate sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

8. Consider praying or thinking hopeful thoughts for the victims and their families.  It may be a good time to take your children to your place of worship, write a poem, or draw a picture to help your child express their feelings and feel that they are somehow supporting the victims and their families.

9. Find out what resources your school has in place to help children cope.  Most schools are likely to be open and often are a good place for children to regain a sense of normalcy.  Being with their friends and teachers can help.  Schools should also have a plan for making counseling available to children and adults who need it. 

If you have concerns about your child’s reaction to this news, please contact ________(add name(s) of the most appropriate persons in your school.

Sincerely,

Little Elm ISD – Julie Zwahr - Texas

Superintendent’s Email to Staff

12.14.2012

Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary

This morning we received word that a terrible shooting has occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Conn. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the all of victim’s families and the many educators who have been devastated this morning by the loss of their children and colleagues. As of this report, there are accounts of more than 20-25 fatalities, many of which are elementary students. The shooter is also reported to be dead.

All indications are that this is an isolated incident very far from our schools, however we want to remain sensitive to our students and parents that may raise questions and concerns about our own processes and plans.

Anytime a tragedy like this happens it reminds us of how precious life is and how fortunate we are to work with our community’s young people. It falls to each of us today to reassure our students and colleagues that we will continue on and stay ever diligent to keeping our schools safe.

Again, please keep all those involved in your thoughts in prayers today and in future days.

* * * * * * *

Julie Thannum, APR

Executive Director of Communications & Marketing

Carroll ISD

3051 Dove Road

Grapevine, TX  76051

Website:  

News Portal:

Parents,

We are deeply troubled to hear this morning about a shooting at a Connecticut elementary school. Sadly, the number of those who lost their lives has increased throughout the morning at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. As of this report, there are accounts of more than 25 dead, many of which are elementary-age-students. The shooter is also reported to be dead, but additional suspects are being detained according to news agencies.

This is a stark reminder of the importance of our safety procedures and our check-in and screening processes for all visitors to campuses. While there is no indication that this is anything but an isolated incident in a state far from Texas, we do want to take this opportunity to remind all of our Dragon families that we conduct regular drills, including those for a building lockdown, and that we have the Raptor screening check-in process for all visitors to the campus. 

It is imperative that you assist us as parents in following our front office procedures when arriving on campus. Use front entrances only when visiting school and check into the office immediately upon arrival; don't forget also to let us know when you are leaving. The new security entrances added as part of our 2009 Bond Program have increased our visibility and awareness greatly.

We require media, vendors, and delivery drivers to check in as well. Minor exits and entrances are locked throughout the day and should not be propped open by staff or parents for any reason. These are just a few of the procedures we must enforce to help ensure we know who is on campus at all times. Certainly in this day and age we can never be absolutely protected against all circumstances, but we do train our staff and rely on our parents to helps us ensure we enforce our own procedures. We also conduct safety drills and debriefings with local first responders regularly.

Consider CISD in a precautionary and reflective mode regarding our own buildings, students and staff safety. Please continue to help us by being our eyes and ears on campus and reporting any safety concerns you notice.

As the parent of elementary-age school children, I am heavy-hearted by the story unfolding. Please keep the families of those involved in this terrible situation in your prayers. We will learn more details in the hours and days ahead, and will discuss and debrief with administrators and staff, accordingly.

David Faltys

Superintendent

* * * * * *

St. Paul Public Schools Web Site

SPPS is shocked and saddened by the shooting that took place in Connecticut today

Friday, December 14, 2012 1:20 PM

Our thoughts go out to all involved. We want to assure our families and the community that student safety is of paramount importance in our district. We take every precaution, every day. Our own security officers and uniformed Saint Paul Police officers patrol our schools daily. Our Security and Emergency Management Department is in constant communication with local law enforcement and public safety partners. More information on safety in Saint Paul Public Schools is available at safety..

If you would like information on talking with your child about the Connecticut incident or school safety in general, please contact your school counselor or administrator. In addition, crisis support for children and families is available 24/7 from Children’s Crisis Response, 651-774-7000, or Crisis Connection, 612-379-6363.

* * * * * *

MPS Superintendent Barbara W. Thompson’s statement concerning the shooting in Connecticut:

“The thoughts and prayers of all of the MPS family are with the parents and family members of the horrible tragedy in Newton, Connecticut. Montgomery Public Schools work closely with the Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery Sheriff’s Office, and our own security team to help provide a safe learning environment for our students.”

Tom Salter

Senior Communication Officer

Montgomery Public Schools (Alabama)

* * * * * *

NSPRA Colleagues,

 

I'm sure others have more polished info, but the following is what we just sent to our principals via our Director of Security.  Parents have been calling to see if we were going to let school out early today... and to make sure we were alert and aware of the tragedy.

 

P.S. We received (and supt. declined) several media interviews on school safety.

 

Mary Jo M. Burton, APR

Communications Director

North Kansas City Schools

Office:  816/413-5050

Mobile:  816/520-5555

mburton@

 

Be extraordinary!

 

>>> 

Principals,

 

Several schools have received calls from parents regarding today’s school tragedy in Connecticut. They are concerned about our own school security.  In conjunction with the Communications Office, we have prepared the following key messages for you.  Please feel free to share them as you deem appropriate for your school family.

 

•             Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families impacted by this senseless tragedy, and our schools remain open to serve our students today.

 

•             We want to reassure our parents that safety and security are a priority in all our schools.  Our security plans were developed in accordance with state and federal best practices and in partnership with local public safety professionals.

 

•             We have controlled access to all our buildings, and we have a School Resource Officer or Deputy assigned to each one. They are available or on call throughout the school day.

 

•             In light of today’s tragedy, we will be reviewing our safety and security practices to determine if they need to be adapted or strengthened.

 

Respectfully,

 

Jon Brady

* * * * * *

Another thing we are working on – which I will share on that site- is talking points for our principals, who are going to invite staff to a meeting before school on Monday to

1. Address the concerns and fears of staff

2. Give staff some tools to deal with students who may be talking about it at school on Monday.

Terri McHugh, APR

Community Relations Director

School District 54

524 E. Schaumburg Road

Schaumburg, IL 60194

847-357-5028

* * * * * *

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Debriefing:

Taking your pulse after another’s crisis can

improve the health of your school district

Violent incidents can happen virtually anywhere, at any time. While we know our schools are safe, no school is above scrutiny when a shooting or horrible student injury occurs anywhere in the nation.

“What if it had been my child,” is the first reaction of most every parent when they hear of a shooting at a school. When they see their child at the end of the school day, they will give him or her a hug and say “Thank goodness you’re safe,” all the while wondering if it could happen in their school district.

One positive action staff at any school district can take following an act of violence at another district is to debrief; to respond to the fears of their students, parents and staff; and to examine their own emergency procedures.

One debriefing activity is to hold a mock emergency exercise to learn how the district’s crisis plan will hold up under similar circumstances. Another is a real-life communications debriefing to reinforce the positive steps your district is taking to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Here are some simple steps your district can take to implement a communications debriefing after a critical incident.

Ask the following questions:

What are students’ fears or concerns?

What are parents’ fears or concerns?

What are the fears and concerns of staff?

What would we do if it happened here?

Will reporters seek a local reaction?

Will local, state or national lawmakers respond?

Address each group with a response geared toward their particular concerns.

To address the concerns of students, develop age-appropriate discussion points that will give teachers the opportunity to help students appreciate diversity, non-violent conflict resolution, etc. Reassure students that caring adults are looking out for their safety, help them understand and cope with any anxiety they may be feeling, encourage them to talk, write or draw pictures to express their fears, and watch for signs of overreaction.

For parents, reaffirm the values you help instill in students, the appreciation for diversity and non-violent conflict resolution, and safety measures the school has taken. Invite parents to speak to a counselor about concerns they may have regarding their children’s reaction, or encourage them to observe a class discussion about the issue.

Staff will benefit from information to help them speak about the situation with students and parents. They are concerned about safety too, and a positive reaction by the district lets them know their administration is concerned and proactive.

Reviewing the district’s safety measures and crisis response plan is always appropriate following a major incident that draws the attention of staff. Follow news reports and commentary in professional journals to get an accurate picture of what happened. Is there anything you can learn from the experience? Do you need to revise your plan?

Getting a local reaction to a state or national story is a media staple. Before agreeing to do an interview, ask yourself these questions: What will our district gain from responding to reporters’ questions? What three points can I make that will reassure the community our district has done what it can to prevent or prepare for a disaster?

Lawmakers, like reporters, are driven to respond to crises. Too often, their answers are knee-jerk responses that fail to hit at the heart of the problem. Again, ask yourself what two or three points your district can bring to their attention that would really make a difference. Also, consider inviting a representative group of parents, board members and staff to sit down with your elected officials to discuss concerns and potential solutions.

As the leader of a school district, it is your job to anticipate problems and respond in a way that will channel the energy of students, parents and staff in a positive manner. Worrying about “what if?” is a negative use of energy; turning concern into awareness and solutions is a positive force.

* * * * * * *

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Message to Staff

By now I am sure most of you are aware of a school shooting that occurred this morning in an elementary school in Connecticut. News reports are stating this is the deadliest school shooting in history. I’m sure we all have the same sick feeling in our stomach as we see images and hear the stories coming out of this tragedy. The entire Sandy Hook Elementary School community is in our hearts today.

While we have no reason to sound an alarm here in Stillwater, this is a good opportunity to revisit our newly revised safety plans and be extra vigilant in our schools. It's also important that we are able to reassure parents (and students) that we take safety seriously and have plans in place to prevent crisis situations as well as measures in place to respond in the event of a crisis.

Please contact me if you have additional questions or concerns. Corey Lunn, Superintendent

Email to Parents

As you’ve likely heard, a tragic school shooting took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut earlier this morning. I’m sure we all have the same sick feeling in our stomach as we see images and hear the stories coming out of this tragedy. The entire Newtown community is in our hearts today.

There is no doubt we will all hug our children a bit tighter this evening. I also encourage you to talk with your children about the incident and allow them to share their fears and concerns. Please visit this link for some tips from the National Association of School Psychologists for helping your children cope with news such as this: .

We will have additional counselors and staff at school next week to support students. If you have concerns about your child’s reaction to this news, please contact your child’s teacher or school principal to learn about the resources available.

I also want to assure you that we take school safety very seriously. We've spent considerable time and energy in recent months to revise our school emergency plans, train staff, and increase school safety. We will continue to be vigilant about school safety, and ask that you work with us to make our buildings safe places for our children.

I hope this weekend finds you spending time with the ones you love. Corey Lunn, Superintendent

Facebook Post

Our hearts are with the families of students and staff in Newtown, CT today. Hug your children extra tight! Here are some resources to help you talk with your kids. Parents: watch for an email to come later today with more information about Stillwater's response to this tragedy.

* * * * * * *

FROM KEITH HOVIS AT MDE

Superintendents and Principals,

Today we are faced with a senseless act of violence. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to those in Connecticut. My heart goes out to them as they deal with this difficult situation in the coming days, weeks and months. I ask you to keep them in your prayers.

It is without a doubt that moments like this bring fear and questions. Whether it’s questions from students about whether their school is safe, questions from parents and the community about a school’s safety protocols and questions from staff about their role in an emergency situation. Use this time to take another good look at the safety protocols that have been developed in your district and ensure all staff and volunteers fully understand the practices and procedures needed in the event you find yourself in an emergency situation. It is important that everyone feels comfortable and safe and ready to handle any potential crisis.

There is no doubt the impacts of this tragic event will be felt by your staff, parents and community. Attached are two documents from our School Safety Division. One provides guidance on how staff can talk to their students about events like this, while another is a resource for parents who receive questions from their child at home. Please feel free to use in full or in part as you begin communications with students, staff and the community.

Thank you for all that you do for Minnesota students,

Brenda Cassellius, Education Commissioner

Talking About the News

The news of the school shooting that happened today can be very scary for a lot of children. The challenge in helping them cope with today’s events is that it is also scary for many adults. Here are some pointers.

Adults’ Role. Try to be calm and focused for the children. Adults need to get the support they need from other adults so we are able to effectively guide the children.

Talk and Listen. Find out what children’s fears, concerns are and address them as directly and calmly as possible. Reassure them that adults are there to help and protect. Circles and dialogues are ways to help children talk about their feelings and what they can do to cope. After giving children time to talk, return to the regular school routine.

Use your resources. School staff should remember that there are community groups and organizations that are willing and able to help you talk to children, including counselors, members of the faith community, public health, and sexual assault and domestic abuse programs. Pay attention to their needs.

What to Say or Do After A Tragedy

After a local or national tragedy, it is very important to make time for discussions about what happened among family members, staff, children and youth. Here is a suggested format for a classroom or group discussion:

In a classroom or group setting, a circle process is a useful method to have a discussion. But with any process used:

• Allow everyone to speak; to ensure that everyone has the chance to speak, go in order around the circle or rows;

• Reinforce positive social norms and values of the group, even if anti-social statements are made;

• Recognize that difficult feelings are normal, natural and need to be expressed, but need to be handled respectfully and in a manner that de-escalates conflict rather than fuels it;

• Build communication and connection and defuse tension by inviting people to share their thoughts and feelings.

Opening Statement:

“What has happened today is sad and painful. What we know at this point is: (give facts as you know them.)

“When bad or scary things happen it is important to take a big breath or whatever it is you do to help calm down. Pay attention to the facts. Be careful not to spread rumors.

“Be careful to stay out of dramatizing the drama – which means try to calm yourself and others instead of fanning the excitement.

“That said, it is still important for you, the students and me to be able to express our feelings and share our thoughts and concerns. Let us go around the classroom (or circle) and talk about what has happened.”

Possible Discussion Questions:

Using a circle process, each participant can have the opportunity to address each question.

• What have you heard about the incident?

• How are you feeling about what happened?

• How did what you heard or saw affect you?

• Who are your friends, supporters and resources for help?

• How can you be a friend or peacemaker to other students and adults in this classroom or school?

As a closing statement at the end of the discussion, encourage care in this time of stress and confusion.

“Remember small acts of disrespect can lead to violence. But small acts of kindness and peacemaking have the power to stop violence and create peace. This is the time to practice acts of respect and kindness. Help each other out. Solve any conflicts or disagreements peacefully. Talk to me or other adults if you have further questions or concerns.”

For further resources, contact the Safe and Healthy Learners Unit of MDE, 651-582-8433.

Adapted from You’re The One Who Can Make The Peace 1999 Tool Kit and Cordelia Anderson, Sensibilities, Inc. 4405 Garfield Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55409, 612/824-6217; email: Cordelia@

Also from MDE

Sample Letter

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caring Adults of _______________School:

As you are aware, there was a shooting at a school in Connecticut on December 14, 2012. Because the incident happened in an elementary school, this may be of very great concern to all students and their families.

We wanted you to know what we have done at this school to address this event. But first we have some suggestion for you as you help your children and youth cope during this stressful time.

Adult’s Role: Try to be calm, reassuring, and focused for the children. Parents and guardians need to get the support they need from other adults so they are able to effectively guide the children. Talk about family and community values, communication, and treating each other in a caring way.

Talk and Listen: Find out what the children’s fears and concerns are and address them as directly and calmly as possible. Reassure them that you, extended family members, and other adults are here to help and protect. Give children time to talk, follow their lead – when they are ready to return to their regular routine, let them. If they have further concerns, they will probably come back to talk. Let them know they can talk at any time.

Create a Safe Home Environment: Turn off the TV. Constant images, strong emotions, and reports of the shooting are not helpful at this time. If you need to watch the news, do so after the children have gone to bed. If teenage children want to watch the news, make sure that you are with them to help process the information and images.

Keep to bedtime routine. A good antidote to stress is sleep. Children need reassurance at bedtime. Read to them, keep family faith traditions, and allow nightlights and hall lights to stay on. Some children may want extra assurance. Lying down with children, especially young ones, or sitting in a youth’s room until they fall asleep may be helpful.

Use Your Resources: Community resources are available to you and your families to help you talk to children include counselors, members of the faith community, public health and sexual assault and domestic abuse programs.

Start the Discussion: Here are some remarks that might help you start a discussion with your children about today’s events. Use whatever is comfortable for you.

“What has happened today is horrifying, and our hearts and brains are having a hard time taking it all in. What we know at this point is: (give facts, as you know them.)”

“When scary things happen, it is important to take a big breath or whatever it is you do to help calm down. Pay attention to the facts. Be careful not to spread rumors.”

Be careful to avoid dramatizing the drama – try to calm yourself and others instead of fanning the excitement.

“It is still important for you and me to be able to express our feelings and share our thoughts and concerns. Do you want to talk about what has happened? We can talk whenever you want.”

Possible Discussion Questions:

✓ What have you heard about the shootings?

✓ How are you feeling about what happened?

✓ Is anyone you know worried about this happening at your school? How can we help that person?

✓ How did what you heard or saw affect you?

✓ Who are your friends, supporters and resources for help?

✓ How can you be a friend or peacemaker to other students and adults in this family, neighborhood, or school?

At this school, we have taken the following steps: (fill in which details of your efforts regarding classroom discussions, security steps and attention to routine, review of the school wide crisis plan.)

We are concerned about the safety of all of the children in our community. We must be careful, as we talk to our children that the violent acts do not carry over to the way we treat each other. Adults must role model tolerance and care for all children. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us.

Sincerely yours,

Principal

School

* * * * * * * *

Clayton Missouri Schools

December 14, 2012

Dear Clayton Parents Guardians and Community Members:

 

We were deeply saddened to hear the news of the school shooting today at a Connecticut elementary school. Our thoughts are with the members of that community. The safety of our students is always the top priority in our District. We take seriously our responsibility to ensure the safety of your child every day.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our families that we have a plan in place at each of our schools to handle emergency situations. We work with the Clayton police and fire departments to prepare for these types of emergencies and regularly practice our safety procedures with students and staff through discussions and emergency exercises. While no amount of planning can guarantee that a tragedy such as this will not occur, we are doing everything we know to keep students and staff safe while at school.

It is equally important for us to work with our staff and ensure they are prepared to support their students in difficult times. We took time this afternoon to update our staff on this tragic event and ensure that they have the resources they will need to respond to student questions next week. We will also have our counselors and administrators ready on Monday morning to respond to students as needed. As we learn more details about this tragic incident in the hours and days ahead, it will be important for you to spend time talking with your children and helping them cope with this news. I would like to share with you a list of tips from the National Association of School Psychologists about what parents can do at times like this:

1. Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.

2. Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient. Children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily.

3. Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.

• Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them.

• Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools.

• Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in schools and society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe schools by following school safety guidelines communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators, and accessing support for emotional needs.

4. Review safety procedures. This should include procedures and safeguards at school and at home. Help children identify at least one adult at school and in the community to whom they go if they feel threatened or at risk.

5. Observe children’s emotional state. Some children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort. In most children, these symptoms will ease with reassurance and time. However, some children may be at risk for more intense reactions. Children who have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others. Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned.

6. Limit television viewing of these events. Limit television viewing and be aware if the television is on in common areas. Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children. Adults also need to be mindful of the content of conversations that they have with each other in front of children, even teenagers, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood.

7. Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed.

As parents, we are troubled by events like what occurred in Connecticut. However, days like today also provide us with the opportunity to be leaders as we help our children to understand, also reminding them that, as the adults in their lives, we do everything we can to keep them safe. As we learn more details about today’s events, we will discuss and debrief with administrators and staff accordingly and be ready when your children return to school on Monday.

Sincerely,

Sharmon B. Wilkinson, Ed.D

Superintendent

-----------------------

CONTACT INFORMATION

Carissa Keister, APR

Community Engagement Coordinator

1875 South Greeley Street

Stillwater, MN 55082

Phone (651)351-8320

keisterc@stillwater.k12.mn.us

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